Master Teacher Information

Please review the information below as it relates to the Master Teacher Designation. This is an opportunity for many of our teachers to receive this prestigious designation. Interested teachers should attend the Informational Session scheduled for Thursday, November 15 from 4–5 p.m. at the Delisle SDC.

Dear Colleagues,

Changes have been made to our professional licenses based on state law. In 2009, Ohio passed House Bill 1 that will affect every public school teacher in the State. One of the big changes for teachers is a requirement that each district assemble a Master Teacher Committee that will communicate ways teachers may earn advanced professional licenses. The Master Teacher Program allows teachers to demonstrate their practice based on the Ohio Standards for the Teaching Profession. This information sheet will outline what our district process is and will explain why a teacher might be interested in undergoing this option.

New LicensesTeachers may continue renewing their five-year professional licenses for the rest of their careers. In fact, due to a change last year in HB1, teachers may renew this type of license without earning a Master’s Degree. Requirements for advanced licenses still require teachers to follow their personal five-year plan in their IPDP with a minimum of six hours of graduate level coursework or equivalent.

Teachers may earn a five-year Senior Professional Educator License if they have a Master’s Degree in education; nine years licensed teaching with at least five years under a professional license or permanent certificate, and successful completion of the Master Teacher Portfolio.

Teachers may also earn a five-year Lead Professional Educator License if they have already met the requirements for the Senior Professional Educator License and have earned the new Teacher Leader Endorsement through an accredited institution OR hold an active National Board Certification.

Master TeacherA master teacher demonstrates excellence inside and outside of the classroom through consistent leadership and focused collaboration to maximize student learning. A master teacher strives for distinguished teaching and continued professional growth as specified by the Standards for Ohio Teachers. (Ohio Department of Education, Spring 2010)

Master Teacher candidates, who have worked at least seven years under a teaching contract, apply to earn this designation through a portfolio they will develop throughout the school year. There are five focus areas in the portfolio that need to be supported by evidence: Consistent Leadership; Focused Collaboration; Distinguished Teaching – Focus on Students and Environment; an Continued Professional Growth. There is no cost to apply, but to be done properly the portfolio will take some time to prepare.

AdvantagesIn recognition of some of the time spent assembling a portfolio, participants can earn two PDU’s (equivalent of 60 contact hours or 2 semester hours of graduate level work). As part of the program that our district is supporting this year, candidates for Master Teacher may participate in monthly sessions with a facilitator to work on their portfolios and get feedback on the work they are doing.Advanced professional licenses will be the preferred requirements for teacher leadership positions in the district in the future. In the upcoming years, the pool of teachers with these licenses may be sought to fill mentor and coaching positions, as well as team/grade level leadership opportunities.

Timeline:

Informational Meeting

-learn more about what is expected

Thursday, November 15, 2018

4:00 – 5:00 PM at the Delisle Center

Letter of Intent to sign up -a form that helps the committee preparefor the needs of the candidates

First Monday in December

Monday, December 3, 2018

Candidate Monthly Support Sessions

-a forum to help candidates and get feedback

December to April

Specific Dates: TBA

4 pm-5:30 pm SDC Delisle Center

Application Deadline

-portfolio and all supporting documentation

First Monday in May

Monday, May 6, 2019

Notification of Results to Candidates

Friday, May 24, 2019

Look for more information on the Ohio Department of Education website at www.ode.state.oh.us under “Teaching” tab or search for “Master Teacher”.

We hope to see you at our informational meeting on November 15th at the Delisle Center so we can answer your questions and give you more detailed information.